After another uneventful hunt this morning, I picked out a leaf and took a practice shot. I hate to brag but I double-lunged it.

After most every morning hunt I try to take a practice shot. I find it’s a much different shot under field conditions than in my backyard. The point that was driven home by this shot was how much better it works for me to do a “pre-flight checklist” before taking the shot. Like Rod Jenkins says, “Is this shot arranged? Can I “commit” to this shot?” When all systems are go I pick a tiny aiming spot and “expand to conclusion”.

Easy to rush this process in the backyard when the only consequence to missing a shot is grabbing another arrow.